Buttonwoods Museum

Buttonwoods Museum occupies three connected historical buildings, each containing displays from different eras of local life and work. The buildings house collections of period furnishings, tools, photographs, and documents that document changes in the community over time.

Founded in 1898, the museum was established to preserve records of the region's past as it transitioned from early settlements to an industrial center. The shoe manufacturing industry became central to the area's growth and transformed how residents lived and worked.

The collections display everyday objects and tools that show how local people lived and worked across different time periods. These items reveal the connection between Haverhill residents and the industries that shaped their community.

The museum operates on a seasonal schedule and closes for tours during winter months, so plan your visit accordingly. The site includes multiple buildings to explore, so allow adequate time to move between them comfortably.

The shoe shop building preserves original machinery and hand tools that show how shoemakers actually produced footwear in past centuries. Visitors can see the specific techniques and craftsmanship that made the local industry successful.